Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Gainesville
Florida residential routes generally operate Monday through Friday. Your specific household collection depends on your local county zoning map.
State Mandate
Do not mix yard trimmings with regular household garbage.
Black Cart (Various Sizes: 20, 35, 64, or 96 gallons) Bin (Trash)
Set your cart within 4 feet of the curb with the front facing the street by 7:00 AM on collection day. The lid must be completely closed. Excess garbage must be placed in Official Yellow Bags next to the cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Styrofoam packaging
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Food-contaminated paper
Orange Bin (Paper/Cardboard) & Blue Bin (Containers) Bin (Recycling)
Do not bag recyclables. Stack the Blue Bin on top of the Orange Bin to keep paper dry. Flatten cardboard to a maximum of 4 ft by 4 ft. Keep bins at least 4 feet away from the garbage cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Orange Bin: Flattened cardboard, office paper, newspapers, magazines
- ✓Blue Bin: Plastic bottles/jugs/tubs, glass bottles/jars, aluminum and steel cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Styrofoam and foam packing
- ✕Plastic clamshells and non-rigid plastics
- ✕Containers over 3 gallons
- ✕Cords, hoses, and coat hangers
- ✕Ceramics and broken glass
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in paper lawn bags or personal reusable containers (max 40 lbs each). Loose piles of leaves/grass will not be collected. Branches max 5 ft long, 8 in diameter, and 40 lbs per piece.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves and pine needles
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Small twigs and vines
- ✓Branches
- ✓Palm fronds
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly on your scheduled garbage collection day.
Placement
Place items at least 4 feet away from your garbage cart, recycling bins, and mailboxes. Do not place items in the street.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (sofas, tables, chairs, desks)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Large toys, trampolines, and swing sets (disassembled)
- ✓ Rolled carpets and rugs (max 5 ft long, max 40 lbs)
- ✓ Interior home repair material (max 2 cubic yards)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Exterior modeling debris (asphalt, fencing)
- ✕ Appliances and electronics (unless an appointment is made)
- ✕ Contractor-generated debris
- ✕ Pressure-treated wood
Standard residential bulk pickup is free. However, special collections of exterior remodeling debris, or excess items beyond normal limits, may be arranged for an additional fee.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your scheduled collection day occurs on or after an observed holiday, your pickup will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week (e.g., Tuesday routes will be serviced on Wednesday).
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste and bulk collections follow the same holiday delay schedule as standard garbage.
Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, and Christmas Day do NOT typically cause a delay in Gainesville's collection schedules, though city offices may be closed.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Return Plastic Bags to the Store
Plastic grocery bags are the number one contaminant in Gainesville's recycling stream. They jam the gears of sorting machines, causing expensive damage and operational shutdowns. Never place plastic bags in your curbside bins; instead, return them to collection bins at local grocery stores like Publix or Target.
Prepare Shredded Paper Correctly
If you shred confidential documents at home, do not place the loose shreds directly into your Orange Bin, as they will blow around the neighborhood. You must place shredded paper inside a closed paper bag, write 'Shredded Paper' on the outside, and limit yourself to two bags per week.
Tape Glass Before Bulk Collection
When setting out large glass items like shower doors, glass tabletops, or mirrors for your weekly bulk pickup, place masking tape in a grid pattern across the surface. This crucial step prevents the glass from shattering dangerously during the loading process.
Seasonal Information
Hurricane Season
June - NovemberDuring extreme weather events or tropical storms, the weekly yard waste volume limits may be suspended for storm debris. However, massive piles generated from land clearing or major storm damage will require significantly more time for collection.
Winter Holidays
December - JanuaryGainesville collects natural Christmas trees curbside during the months of December and January as part of the weekly yard waste service. Ensure all lights, ornaments, and tinsel are completely removed before placing the tree at the curb.
College Move-Out
April - MayWith the University of Florida nearby, move-out season generates massive amounts of bulk waste. Remember to mark items in working condition with a 'Still Works!' sign at the curb to encourage reuse, or donate them to local charities before resorting to curbside disposal.
About Gainesville Waste Management
Right-Sizing Your Trash and Official Yellow Bags
The City of Gainesville operates a 'Pay-As-You-Throw' style garbage system where your monthly refuse charge is directly tied to the size of your garbage cart, ranging from a 20-gallon mini-cart up to a 96-gallon cart. If you occasionally generate more trash than your cart can hold, you cannot simply place it in personal bags or boxes on the curb. All excess garbage must be placed in Official Yellow Bags, which hold about 30 gallons and have a 40-pound weight limit. These pre-paid yellow bags cover the cost of disposal and can be purchased in packs of five at local Publix and Gainesville Ace Hardware stores.
The Orange and Blue Dual-Bin Recycling System
Gainesville requires residents to separate their recyclables into two distinct bins to reduce contamination. The Orange Bin is designated for paper products, including flattened cardboard, newspapers, and junk mail. The Blue Bin is for clean containers, such as aluminum cans, glass bottles, and plastic jugs. To keep paper dry during Florida's frequent rainstorms and to prevent litter from blowing away, the city recommends stacking your Blue Bin on top of your Orange Bin at the curb.
Convenient Weekly Bulk Trash Pickup
Unlike many municipalities that restrict bulk waste to a few times a year, Gainesville offers weekly bulk item collection on the exact same day as your regular garbage service. Residents can set out furniture, mattresses, and large outdoor toys without calling ahead for an appointment. The contracted hauler has until 12:00 PM the following day to remove the items. However, if you are disposing of large household appliances (white goods) or electronics, you must schedule a free collection appointment in advance by calling the Solid Waste Division.
Strict Yard Waste Size Limits and Contractor Rules
Because of North Central Florida's dense tree canopy, yard waste is collected weekly. Residents can place leaves and grass clippings in brown paper lawn bags or personal reusable containers, provided they do not exceed 40 pounds. Branches can be no longer than 5 feet, no thicker than 8 inches in diameter, and max out at 40 pounds per piece. Notably, if you hire a commercial tree surgeon or landscaper for major yard work, city ordinance strictly requires the contractor to haul away the debris themselves—city crews will not pick it up.
Drop-off Facilities
Alachua County Hazardous Waste Collection Center
5125 NE 63rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609
Materials Accepted
Leveda Brown Environmental Park and Transfer Station
5115 NE 63rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my garbage doesn't fit in my assigned Gainesville cart?
If you have more garbage than your cart allows, the city requires you to purchase Official Yellow Bags. These bags hold about 30 gallons and cost $11.25 for a pack of five, which covers the disposal fee. You can buy them at local Publix or Gainesville Ace Hardware stores. Any excess waste placed in personal black bags or boxes will be left at the curb.
Do I need to schedule an appointment for bulk trash pickup in Gainesville?
For most bulk items like mattresses, couches, and disassembled outdoor toys, no appointment is necessary. Simply place them at the curb on your regular garbage collection day. However, if you are throwing away large appliances (refrigerators, washers, ovens) or electronics, you must call the Solid Waste Division at 352-334-2330 to schedule a free pickup appointment.
Why didn't the city pick up the tree branches left by my landscaper?
According to City of Gainesville Ordinance Ch. 27-73.11, any tree debris or yard waste generated by a hired commercial tree surgeon or lawn service must be hauled away by that contractor. City crews will only collect yard waste from routine upkeep performed by the homeowner or occupant.
Which recycling bin is for paper, and which is for plastic?
Gainesville uses a dual-bin recycling system to keep materials clean. The Orange Bin is for all your paper products, including flattened cardboard, newspapers, and mail. The Blue Bin is strictly for containers, such as plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and glass jars. It is recommended to stack the Blue Bin on top of the Orange Bin to prevent paper from blowing away or getting wet.